This past weekend I attended the graduation ceremonies at Illinois State University. My nephew, Kevin, graduated from the College of Business.

At the last second, I decided to pack some camera gear in hope of capturing some images of the event. Given the higher security levels in recent years, I packed light. The following items easily fit into a small shoulder bag (the Think Tank Urban Disguise):

• Nikon D800 with grip removed
• Nikon 14-24
• Nikon 24-70
• Nikon 70-200

I didn't chance carrying a tripod or any of my longer lenses.

Signs were visible as we entered the parking lot warning spectators that backpacks or bags are not permitted inside the building. My approach was to carry this relatively small shoulder bag into the venue. If questioned, I would show the security personnel that I only had camera gear. If I was unable to enter with my gear, I would return the bag to the car.

To my surprise, there was no security presence as I entered the Redbird Arena. I simply walked to my seat with my gear. If I had known that, I would definitely have brought my 300 2.8 and tripod with me!

During the ceremony, I worked my way to the back of the arena so that I could capture some photographs of the event. While I was there, all three (sometimes referred to as the "Holy Trinity") lenses came in handy.

As always, I enjoy shooting ultra wide with my Nikon 14-24:

ISU Graduation CeremonyGraduation ceremony at Illinois State University (College of Business) in Redbird Arena at 702 West College Avenue in Normal, Illinois on May 7, 2016 Believe it or not, this next picture of my nephew receiving his diploma was taken from the same distance as the image above--but this time with the Nikon 70-200. And, the following image was cropped significantly. The D800 has such high resolution that cropping becomes a much more practical possibility:

Kevin NagelKevin Nagel receiving diploma at the graduation ceremony at Illinois State University (College of Business) in Redbird Arena at 702 West College Avenue in Normal, Illinois on May 7, 2016 The Nikon 24-70 offered a nice perspective as well:

ISU Graduation CeremonyGraduation ceremony at Illinois State University (College of Business) in Redbird Arena at 702 West College Avenue in Normal, Illinois on May 7, 2016 And, the Nikon 24-70 was useful for some snapshots outside of the arena after the ceremony:

ISU Graduation CeremonyKevin Nagel at his ISU graduation outside of Redbird Arena at 702 West College Avenue in Normal, Illinois on May 7, 2016. (left: Kevin Nagel; right: Shannon Peterson) Everything looks just a little more extraordinary to my eye at 14mm:

ISU Graduation CeremonyGraduation ceremony at Illinois State University (College of Business) in Redbird Arena at 702 West College Avenue in Normal, Illinois on May 7, 2016 Overall, it was great being at this significant family event. Having such a light and portable photography kit made it possible to capture memories of the occasion.